A customary step-over preceded a menacing run into the box which was stopped by Madrid team-mate Nacho.
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It was an uncharacteristic error from the Manchester United star but De Gea, who says he thrives on the criticism, says there’s a lack of support from him in his native Spain. He now has the joint-second highest number of global goals (84) antis the first player in World Cup history to score a treble against Spain.
Russian Federation is holding its first time ever edition of the FIFA World Cup, which kicked off in Moscow with a spectacular opening show at the Luzhniki Stadium on the night of June 14. Given Costa’s struggles with La Roja, it was an emphatic finish and a timely reminder of what he could offer this team if they can get the best out of him.
Calamity then struck for the 2010 World Cup champions.
Ronaldo, though, had other ideas and stepped up to beat De Gea again with a flawless 20-yard free-kick, nearly snatching all three points with a stoppage-time header.
Ronaldo’s second meant he had already scored more at this World Cup than any other.
It was a remarkable signal of intent from the current Ballon d’Or victor, who had never made a serious impact in any of his previous three World Cups, only managing to score one goal in each.
Diego Costa netted a superb equaliser in 24th minute, twisting and turning the Portuguese defence inside out before firing low into the left corner of the net, although he seemed to make contact with Pepe with his elbow in the buildup.
For all Ronaldo’s endeavours, it looked like he was to end up on the losing side.
But then Ronaldo stepped up to send his free-kick from 25 yards up over the wall and into the net, as the Iberian neighbours settled for a point apiece in this Group B encounter.
Ronaldo downplayed his sixth global hat trick. With the “Fubo Premier” bundle, you will get access to all four of the World Cup soccer TV channels in most markets.
Ronaldo rubbed his chin after scoring minutes into Portugal’s opener against Spain, implying he is the Greatest of All Time.
Having welcomed their captain back from an extended break he was granted after winning a third consecutive Champions League with Real Madrid, the 2016 European champions defeated Algeria 3-0 in their final warm-up match and will enter the match quietly confident.
Before this game Ronaldo had scored only three times from 13 World Cup games.
Ronaldo has drawn level with Ferenc Puskas as the top scorer for a European country (84). “But four more years at the highest level?” Spain won 16 games and was defeated by Portugal six times.
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And the burly striker insisted the competition for his place in the team was good for Spain’s chances of glory this summer.
